Claudins: The Newly Emerging Targets in Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Claudins are essential components of tight junctions (TJs), regulating cell adhesion and barrier function.
• Dysregulation of claudins is implicated in the development and progression of various cancers, including breast cancer.
• Claudin-low breast cancers exhibit reduced expression of specific claudins and cell adhesion molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structural-functional characteristics and modifications of claudins.
• To summarize current knowledge on claudin expression and function in breast cancer.
• To explore the impact of claudins on tumor progression, metastasis, stemness, and therapy resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of claudin structure, function, and modifications.
• Analysis of claudin roles in breast cancer development and progression.
• Examination of claudin involvement in tumor hallmarks and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Claudins play multifaceted roles in breast cancer, acting as tumor suppressors or promoters depending on context.
• Claudin dysregulation affects TJ integrity, tumor cell adhesion, migration, and invasion.
• Claudins influence chemotherapy resistance and cancer stem cell properties.

Conclusions:

• Claudins are critical regulators of breast cancer biology, impacting multiple aspects of tumor behavior.
• The precise mechanisms underlying claudin activity and their post-translational modifications require further investigation.
• Claudins represent promising therapeutic targets, particularly for challenging breast cancer subtypes.